A brief history of time: from the big bang to black holes

Hawking, S. W. (Stephen W.)

Stephen Hawking's 'A Brief History of Time' has become an international publishing phenomenon. Translated into over 30 languages, it has sold over ten million copies worldwide and lives on as a science book that continues to captivate and inspire new readers each year

Author note

Stephen Hawkingheld the post of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge, the chair held by Isaac Newton in 1663, for thirty years. Professor Hawking is now Director of Research for the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. He has over a dozen honorary degrees, and was awarded the Companion of Honour in 1989. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and a Member of the US National Academy of Science. His books include the bestsellingBlack Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays,The Universe in a Nutshell, andA Briefer History of Time. His most recent book,The Grand Design,was a Sunday Times bestseller. Stephen Hawking is regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein. He lives in Cambridge.

Reviews

"Master of the Universe... One scientist's courageous voyage to the frontiers of the Cosmos"Newsweek||"This book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe, while marvelling at his mind"The Sunday Times||"He can explain the complexities of cosmological physics with an engaging combination of clarity and wit... His is a brain of extraordinary power"Observer||"To follow such a fine mind as it exposes such great problems is an exciting experience"The Sunday Times||"One of the most brilliant scientific minds since Einstein"Daily Express

Back cover copy

Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe infinite or does it have boundaries? These are just some of the questions considered in an internationally acclaimed masterpiece by one of the world's greatest thinkers. It begins by reviewing the great theories of the cosmos from Newton to Einstein, before delving into the secrets which still lie at the heart of space and time, from the Big Bang to black holes, via spiral galaxies and strong theory. To this day A Brief History of Time remains a staple of the scientific canon, and its succinct and clear language continues to introduce millions to the universe and its wonders.